Ten Years Later

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hands. "Madame, madame," he murmured, "what opinion can youhave of me, when you make me such an offer?"

"Of you!" returned the marquise. "Tell me, rather, what youyourself think of the step I have taken."

"You bring me this money for myself, and you bring itbecause you know me to be embarrassed. Nay, do not deny it,for I am sure of it. Can I not read your heart?"

"If you know my heart, then, can you not see that it is myheart I offer you?"

"I have guessed rightly, then," exclaimed Fouquet. "Intruth, madame, I have never yet given you the right toinsult me in this manner."

"Insult you," she said, turning pale, "what singulardelicacy of feeling! You tell me you love me; in the name ofthat affection you wish me to sacrifice my reputation and myhonor, yet, when I offer you money which is my own, yourefuse me."

"Madame, you are at liberty to preserve what you term yourreputation and your honor. Permit me to preserve mine. Leaveme to my ruin, leave me to sink beneath the weight of thehatreds which surround me, beneath the faults I havecommitted, beneath the load even, of my remorse, but, forHeaven's sake, madame, do not overwhelm me with this lastinfliction."

"A short time since, M. Fouquet, you were wanting injudgment; now you are wanting in feeling."

Fouquet pressed his clenched hand upon his breast, heavingwith emotion, saying: "Overwhelm me, madame for I havenothing to reply."

"I offered you my friendship, M. Fouquet."

"Yes, madame, and you limited yourself to that."

"And what I am now doing is the act of a friend."

"No doubt it is."

"And you reject this mark of my friendship?"

"I do reject it."

"Monsieur Fouquet, look at me," said the marquise, withglistening eyes, "I now offer you my love."

"Oh, madame," exclaimed Fouquet.

"I have loved you for a long while past; women, like men,have a false delicacy at times. For a long time past I haveloved you, but would not confess it. Well, then, you haveimplored this love on your knees, and I have refused you; Iwas blind, as you were a little while since; but as it wasmy love that you sought, it is my love I now offer you."

"Oh! madame, you overwhelm me beneath a load of happiness."

"Will you be happy, then, if I am yours -- entirely?"

"It will be the supremest happiness for me."

"Take me, then. If, however, for your sake I sacrifice aprejudice, do you, for mine, sacrifice a scruple."

"Do not tempt me."

"Do not refuse me."

"Think seriously of what you are proposing."

"Fouquet, but one word. Let it be `No,' and I open thisdoor," and she pointed to the door which led into thestreets, "and you will never see me again. Let that word be`Yes,' and I am yours entirely."

"Elsie! Elsie! But this coffer?"

"Contains my dowry."

"It is your ruin," exclaimed Fouquet, turning over the goldand papers; "there must be a million here."

"Yes, my jewels, for which I care no longer if you do notlove me, and for which, equally, I care no longer if youlove me as I love you."

"This is too much," exclaimed Fouquet. "I yield, I yield,even were it only to consecrate so much devotion. I acceptthe dowry."

"And take the woman with it." said the: marquise, throwingherself into his arms.

CHAPTER 104

Le Terrain de Dieu

During the progress of these events Buckingham and De Wardestraveled in excellent companionship, and made the journeyfrom Paris to Calais in undisturbed harmony together.Buckingham had hurried his departure, so that the greaterpart of his adieux were very hastily made. His visit toMonsieur and Madame, to the young queen, and to thequeen-dowager, had been paid collectively -- a precaution onthe part of the queen-mother which saved him the distress ofany private conversation with Monsieur, and also the dangerof seeing Madame again. The carriages containing the luggagehad already been sent on beforehand, and in the evening heset off in his traveling carriage with his attendants.

De Wardes, irritated at finding himself dragged away in soabrupt a manner by this Englishman, had sought in his subtlemind for some means of escaping from his fetters; but no onehaving rendered him any assistance in this respect, he wasabsolutely obliged, therefore, to submit to the burden ofhis own evil thoughts and caustic spirit.

Such of his friends in whom he had been able to confide,had, in their character of wits, rallied him upon the duke'ssuperiority. Others, less brilliant, but more sensible, hadreminded him of the king's orders prohibiting dueling.Others, again, and they the larger number, who, in virtue ofcharity, or national vanity, might have rendered himassistance, did not care to run the risk of incurringdisgrace, and would, at the best, have informed theministers of a departure which might end in a massacre on asmall scale. The result was, that, after having fullydeliberated upon the matter, De Wardes packed up hisluggage, took a couple of horses, and, followed only by oneservant, made his way towards the barrier, whereBuckingham's carriage was to await him.

The duke received his adversary as he would have done anintimate acquaintance, made room beside him on the same seatwith himself, offered him refreshments, and spread over hisknees the sable cloak that had been thrown on the frontseat. They then conversed of the court, without alluding toMadame; of Monsieur, without speaking of domestic affairs;of the king, without speaking of his brother's wife; of thequeen-mother, without alluding to her daughter-in-law; ofthe king of England, without alluding to his sister-in-law;of the state of the affections of either of the travelers,without pronouncing any name that might be dangerous. Inthis way the journey, which was performed by short stages,was most agreeable, and Buckingham, almost a Frenchman fromwit and education, was delighted at having so admirablyselected his traveling companion. Elegant repasts wereserved, of which they partook but lightly; trials of horsesmade in the beautiful meadows that skirted the road;coursing indulged in, for Buckingham had his greyhounds withhim; and in such ways did they pass away the pleasant time.The duke somewhat resembled the beautiful river Seine, whichfolds France a thousand times in its loving embrace, beforedeciding upon joining its waters with the ocean. In quittingFrance, it was her recently adopted daughter he had broughtto Paris whom he chiefly regretted; his every thought was aremembrance of her -- his every memory a regret. Therefore,whenever, now and then, despite his command over himself, hewas lost in thought, De Wardes left him entirely to hismusings. This delicacy might have touched Buckingham, andchanged his feelings towards De Wardes, if the latter, whilepreserving silence, had shown a glance less full of malice,and a smile less false. Instinctive dislikes, however, arerelentless; nothing appeases them; a few ashes maysometimes, apparently, extinguish them; but beneath thoseashes the smothered embers rage more furiously. Havingexhausted every means of amusement the route offered, theyarrived, as we have said, at Calais towards the end of thesixth day. The duke's attendants, since the previousevening, had traveled in advance, and now chartered a boat,for the purpose of joining the yacht, which had been tackingabout in sight, or bore broadside on, whenever it felt itswhite wings wearied, within cannon-shot of the jetty.

The boat was destined for the transport of the duke'sequipages from the shore to the yacht. The horses had beenembarked, having been hoisted from the boat upon the deck inbaskets expressly made for the purpose, and wadded in such amanner that their limbs, even in the most violent fits ofterror or impatience, were always protected by the softsupport which the sides afforded, and their coats not eventurned. Eight of these baskets, placed side by side, filledthe ship's hold. It is well known that in short voyageshorses refuse to eat, but remain trembling all the while,with the best of food before them, such as they would havegreatly coveted on land. By degrees, the duke's entireequipage was transported on board the yacht; he was theninformed that everything was in readiness, and that theyonly waited for him, whenever he would be disposed to embarkwith the French gentleman; for no one could possibly imaginethat the French gentleman would have any other accounts tosettle with his Grace than those of friendship. Buckinghamdesired the captain to be told to hold himself in readiness,but that, as the sea was beautiful, and as the day promiseda splendid sunset, he did not intend to go on board untilnightfall, and would avail himself of the evening to enjoy awalk on the strand. He added also, that, finding himself insuch excellent company, he had not the least desire tohasten his embarkation.

As he said this he pointed out to those who surrounded himthe magnificent spectacle which the sky presented, ofdeepest azure in the horizon, the amphitheatre of fleecyclouds ascending from the sun's disc to the zenith, assumingthe appearance of a range of snowy mountains, whose summitswere heaped one upon another. The dome of clouds was tingedat its base with, as it were, the foam of rubies, fadingaway into opal and pearly tints, in proportion as the gazewas carried from base to summit. The sea was gilded with thesame reflection, and upon the crest of every sparkling wavedanced a point of light, like a diamond by lamplight. Themildness of the evening, the sea breezes, so dear tocontemplative minds, setting in from the east and blowing indelicious gusts; then, in the distance, the black outline ofthe yacht with its rigging traced upon the empurpledbackground of the sky -- while, dotting the horizon, mightbe seen, here and there, vessels with their trimmed sails,like the wings of a seagull about to plunge; such aspectacle indeed well merited admiration. A crowd of curiousidlers followed the richly dressed attendants, amongst whomthey mistook the steward and the secretary for the masterand his friend. As for Buckingham, who was dressed verysimply, in a gray satin vest, and doublet of violet-coloredvelvet, wearing his hat thrust over his eyes, and withoutorders or embroidery, he was taken no more notice of than DeWardes, who was in black, like an attorney.

The duke's attendants had received directions to have a boatin readiness at the jetty head, and to watch the embarkationof their master, without approaching him until either he orhis friend should summon them, -- "whatever may happen," hehad added, laying a stress upon these words, so that theymight not be misunderstood. Having walked a few paces uponthe strand, Buckingham said to De Wardes, "I think it is nowtime to take leave of each other. The tide, you perceive, isrising; ten minutes hence it will have soaked the sandswhere we are now walking in such a manner that we shall notbe able to keep our footing."

"I await your orders, my lord, but ---- "

"But, you mean, we are still upon soil which is part of theking's territory."

"Exactly."

"Well, do you see yonder a kind of little island surroundedby a circle of water? The pool is increasing every minute,and the isle is gradually disappearing. This island, indeed,belongs to Heaven, for it is situated between two seas, andis not shown on the king's charts. Do you observe it?"

"Yes; but we can hardly reach it now, without getting ourfeet wet."

"Yes; but observe that it forms an eminence tolerably high,and that the tide rises on every side, leaving the top free.We shall be admirably placed upon that little theatre. Whatdo you think of it?"

"I shall be perfectly happy wherever I may have the honor ofcrossing my sword with your lordship's."

"Very well, then, I am distressed to be the cause of yourwetting your feet, M. de Wardes, but it is most essentialyou should be able to say to the king: `Sire, I did notfight upon your majesty's territory.' Perhaps thedistinction is somewhat subtle, but, since Port-Royal, yournation delights in subtleties of expression. Do not let uscomplain of this, however, for it makes your wit verybrilliant, and of a style peculiarly your own. If you do notobject, we will hurry ourselves, for the sea, I perceive, isrising fast, and night is setting in."

"My reason for not walking faster was, that I did not wishto precede your Grace. Are you still on dry land, my lord?"

"Yes, at present I am. Look yonder! My servants are afraidwe shall be drowned, and have converted the boat into acruiser. Do you remark how curiously it dances upon thecrests of the waves? But, as it makes me feel sea-sick,would you permit me to turn my back towards them?"

"You will observe, my lord, that in turning your back tothem, you will have the sun full in your face."

"Oh, its rays are very feeble at this hour and it will soondisappear; do not be uneasy on that score."

"As you please, my lord; it was out of consideration foryour lordship that I made the remark."

"I am aware of that, M. de Wardes, and I fully appreciateyour kindness. Shall we take off our doublets?"

"As you please, my lord."

"Do not hesitate to tell me, M. de Wardes, if you do notfeel comfortable upon the wet sand, or if you think yourselfa little too close to the French territory. We could fightin England, or even upon my yacht."

"We are exceedingly well placed here, my lord; only I havethe honor to remark that, as the sea is rising fast, we havehardly time ---- "

Buckingham made a sign of assent, took off his doublet andthrew it on the ground, a proceeding which De Wardesimitated. Both their bodies, which seemed like phantoms tothose who were looking at them from the shore, were thrownstrongly into relief by a dark red violet-colored shadowwith which the sky became overspread.

"Upon my word, your Grace," said De Wardes, "we shall hardlyhave time to begin. Do you not perceive how our feet aresinking into the sand?"

"I have sunk up to the ankles," said Buckingham, "withoutreckoning that the water is even now breaking in upon us."

"It has already reached me. As soon as you please,therefore, your Grace," said De Wardes, who drew his sword,a movement imitated by the duke.

"M. de Wardes," said Buckingham, "one final word. I am aboutto fight you because I do not like you, -- because you havewounded me in ridiculing a certain devotional regard I haveentertained, and one which I acknowledge that, at thismoment, I still retain, and for which I would very willinglydie. You are a bad and heartless man, M. de Wardes, and Iwill do my very utmost to take your life; for I feel assuredthat, if you survive this engagement, you will, in thefuture, work great mischief towards my friends. That is allI have to remark, M. de Wardes," concluded Buckingham, as hesaluted him.

"And I, my lord, have only this to reply to you: I have notdisliked you hitherto, but, since you give me such acharacter, I hate you, and will do all I possibly can tokill you; "and De Wardes saluted Buckingham.

Their swords crossed at the same moment, like two flashes oflightning on a dark night. The swords seemed to seek eachother, guessed their position, and met. Both were practicedswordsmen, and the earlier passes were without any result.The night was fast closing in, and it was so dark that theyattacked and defended themselves almost instinctively.Suddenly De Wardes felt his sword arrested, -- he had justtouched Buckingham's shoulder. The duke's sword sunk as hisarm was lowered.

"You are wounded, my lord," said De Wardes, drawing back astep or two.

"Yes, monsieur, but only slightly."

"Yet you quitted your guard."

"Only from the first effect of the cold steel, but I haverecovered. Let us go on, if you please." And disengaging hissword with a sinister clashing of the blade, the dukewounded the marquis in the breast.

And with a terrible lunge, he pierced Buckingham's arm, thesword passing between the two bones. Buckingham, feeling hisright arm paralyzed, stretched out his left, seized hissword, which was about falling from his nerveless grasp, andbefore De Wardes could resume his guard, he thrust himthrough the breast. De Wardes tottered, his knees gave waybeneath him, and leaving his sword still fixed in the duke'sarm, he fell into the water, which was soon crimsoned with amore genuine reflection than that which it had borrowed fromthe clouds. De Wardes was not dead; he felt the terribledanger that menaced him, for the sea rose fast. The duke,too, perceived the danger. With an effort and an exclamationof pain he tore out the blade which remained in his arm, andturning towards De Wardes said, "Are you dead, marquis?"

"No," replied De Wardes, in a voice choked by the bloodwhich rushed from his lungs to his throat, "but very nearit."

"Well, what is to be done; can you walk?" said Buckingham,supporting him on his knee.

"Impossible," he replied. Then falling down again, said,"Call to your people, or I shall be drowned."

"Halloa! boat there! quick, quick!"

The boat flew over the waves, but the sea rose faster thanthe boat could approach. Buckingham saw that De Wardes wason the point of being again covered by a wave; he passed hisleft arm, safe and unwounded, round his body and raised himup. The wave ascended to his waist but did not move him. Theduke immediately began to carry his late antagonist towardsthe shore. He had hardly gone ten paces, when a second wave,rushing onwards higher, more furious and menacing than theformer, struck him at the height of his chest, threw himover and buried him beneath the water. At the reflux,however, the duke and De Wardes were discovered lying on thestrand. De Wardes had fainted. At this moment four of theduke's sailors, who comprehended the danger, threwthemselves into the sea, and in a moment were close besidehim. Their terror was extreme when they observed how theirmaster became covered with blood, in proportion as the waterwith which it was impregnated, flowed towards his knees andfeet; they wished to carry him.

"No, no," exclaimed the duke, "take the marquis on shorefirst."

"Death to the Frenchman!" cried the English sullenly.

"Wretched knaves!" exclaimed the duke, drawing himself upwith a haughty gesture, which sprinkled them with blood,"obey directly! M. de Wardes on shore! M. de Wardes's safetyto be looked to first, or I will have you all hanged!"

The boat had by this time reached them; the secretary andsteward leaped into the sea, and approached the marquis, whono longer showed any sign of life.

"I commit him to your care, as you value your lives," saidthe duke. "Take M. de Wardes on shore." They took him intheir arms, and carried him to the dry sand, where the tidenever rose so high. A few idlers and five or six fishermenhad gathered on the shore, attracted by the strangespectacle of two men fighting with the water up to theirknees. The fishermen, observing a group of men approachingcarrying a wounded man, entered the sea until the water wasup to their waists. The English transferred the wounded manto them, at the very moment the latter began to open hiseyes again. The salt water and the fine sand had got intohis wounds, and caused him the acutest pain. The duke'ssecretary drew out a purse filled with gold from his pocket,and handed it to the one among those present who appeared ofmost importance, saying: "From my master, his Grace the Dukeof Buckingham, in order that every possible care may betaken of the Marquis de Wardes."

Then, followed by those who had accompanied him, he returnedto the boat, which Buckingham had been enabled to reach withthe greatest difficulty, but only after he had seen DeWardes out of danger. By this time it was high tide;embroidered coats and silk sashes were lost; many hats, too,had been carried away by the waves. The flow of the tide hadborne the duke's and De Wardes's clothes to the shore, andDe Wardes was wrapped in the duke's doublet, under thebelief that it was his own, when the fishermen carried himin their arms towards the town.